Chapter 033
Chapter 33: The Murderer
Yu Jin considered for a moment, then said, “Let them in.”
Although the Heavenly Brocade Guard had now uncovered an essential clue, the Bei Qi Dark Qi, the immediate priority was finding the murderer quickly. With assistance from the Six Gates, solving this case would surely speed up significantly.
Soon afterward, the guards brought Ji Fei Yun and his group into the main hall.
Accompanying Ji Fei Yun was another constable, Gong Li Shan, who was also one of the Ten Great Constables from the General Yamen.
Earlier, Ji Fei Yun had found himself unable to unseal Guan Shan Xue’s blocked acupuncture points, losing considerable face in the process. Coincidentally, he met Gong Li Shan on his way back to the Six Gates and invited him to the Aurora Pavilion. After all, facing a case even the Heavenly Brocade Guard struggled with, Ji Fei Yun felt uneasy going alone.
Though Gong Li Shan had a tall, burly build, his eyes were sharp as a hawk’s. Skilled in martial arts and blessed with an extraordinary memory, he was excellent at solving mysteries. With him, Ji Fei Yun felt more confident.
Yet, upon arriving at Aurora Pavilion, they were surprised to learn that the Heavenly Brocade Guard had already uncovered the cause behind the five deaths.
“Bei Qi Dark Qi—it was something like this. No wonder you couldn’t find the cause. But how did Lord Yu discover this?” Gong Li Shan asked, knowledgeable yet puzzled.
“One of my little eunuchs stumbled upon it by chance today,” An Quan quickly explained, carefully leaving out the details involving Li Mu Sheng. He had also concealed this part earlier when reporting to Yu Jin and the others.
Gong Li Shan didn’t press further, simply pondering for a moment before turning to Yu Jin. “Lord Yu, what’s your next move?”
Yu Jin replied steadily, “We’ll investigate everyone in Aurora Pavilion who had contact with the first five deceased and the current ten victims. We’ll find the most likely suspect among them. And not just these young masters here—I’ll thoroughly investigate every single person in the Heavenly Brocade Guard.”
Gong Li Shan nodded. “There’s nothing wrong with that. But I fear the culprit is cunning enough not to be among these people you mentioned.”
Yu Jin asked, “Then, Constable Gong, do you have any better suggestions?”
“Not exactly suggestions. But I suddenly recall seeing something in a scroll at the Six Gates mentioning Bei Qi Dark Qi,” Gong Li Shan explained with a respectful bow. “It’s said that during the Great Qi Dynasty, someone once spied on a person practicing this technique. They discovered that the stubborn nature of Bei Qi Dark Qi comes from swallowing an herb called Slugweed. The herb itself has a strong fishy scent. Anyone who cultivates Bei Qi Dark Qi will carry traces of this scent. Perhaps we can start here.”
Hearing this, Yu Jin’s expression changed, and he murmured thoughtfully, “In that case, we’ll need a hound with an exceptionally keen sense of smell…”
At this moment, Ji Fei Yun, who had remained silent, suddenly spoke, “There’s no need for that. One of my men has specifically practiced a scent-tracking martial art. With him here, it’ll be enough.”
He gestured toward Cao Po standing beside him.
The large, fierce-looking man stepped forward eagerly, clasping his hands respectfully. “Not to boast, but no scent within thirty zhang can escape my nose.”
Cao Po’s heart burned with eagerness. If he found the true culprit here, it would be a major merit. With improved martial skills, he could soon earn a promotion to Silver Badge Constable. Why let a dog claim that glory?
Yu Jin exchanged glances with several eunuchs nearby and nodded approvingly. “Then you may give it a try.”
Cao Po immediately complied. Using his scent-tracking martial art, he filled his nasal meridians with energy, carefully sniffing around the hall.
Soon enough, he seemed to detect something. His nose twitched as he headed towards the courtyard outside the hall.
Ji Fei Yun quickly grabbed him, calling out, “Not that way! There’s a lotus pond filled with fish!”
Startled, Cao Po halted abruptly, causing a ripple of laughter among those present. Yet, at that very moment, his eyes sharpened. “I’ve found it!”
Without hesitation, he spun around, marching decisively toward Li Mu Sheng.
Ji Fei Yun hastily followed, but he showed a startled look upon seeing Li Mu Sheng.
Li Yuan Ling immediately stepped forward, blocking Li Mu Sheng protectively, and demanded coldly, “Stop right there. What do you want?”
Cao Po had previously met Li Mu Sheng briefly at the restaurant, and seeing him here at Aurora Pavilion indeed surprised him. However, he quickly waved a dismissive hand. “I’m not after him—but him!”
He raised his hand, pointing past Li Mu Sheng.
Everyone’s gaze instantly followed his finger.
Just behind Li Mu Sheng, less than a few feet away, stood an armored guard clad in black, holding a long spear. Standing in the shadows cast by the curtains, the guard kept his head bowed, obscuring his true features entirely.
Li Mu Sheng slowly turned his head to glance behind him, thinking inwardly, [Oh, so it’s finally revealed?]
“You, come forward!” Yu Jin’s commanding voice echoed heavily. His sharp eyes focused intently on the armored guard, releasing a suffocating pressure.
Several eunuchs and Ji Fei Yun also looked cautiously at the mysterious guard, their bodies tensed in readiness.
Li Yuan Ling quickly reacted, pulling Li Mu Sheng backward protectively.
Yet, the armored guard remained motionless in the shadows. Silence filled the hall, the air thick with tension.
Just as Yu Jin’s gaze turned dangerous and he prepared to speak again, the armored guard softly sighed, the sound lingering through the hall.
Slowly, he lifted his head, revealing a youthful, clear-featured face.
“Why must you hurry toward your deaths? Your turns had not yet come. You could have lived a few more days,” he spoke plainly, a faintly helpless smile curling his lips.
The next instant, his armor silently shattered into fragments, and the long spear in his hand cracked apart, dissolving into iron powder. Black smoke poured from his seven orifices, forming shadowy chains that twisted and swirled around his body.
“Since you wish to die sooner, none shall survive today in Aurora Pavilion!”